About Us
The Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA) is a not for profit, volunteer-run organisation which aims to engage the community with literature for young Australians. The CBCA presents annual awards to books of literary merit, for outstanding contribution to Australian children's literature.
Established in 1945, the Children’s Book Council of Australia was founded at a time when Australian children’s books were few, and Australian authors and illustrators were virtually unknown. In 1946 the CBCA established annual book awards to promote books of high literary and artistic quality. These awards are now the most influential and highly respected in Australia.
Each year, across Australia, the CBCA brings children and books together celebrating CBCA Book Week. Throughout the year, the CBCA works in partnership with authors, illustrators, publishers, booksellers and other organisations in the children’s book world to bring words, images and stories into the hearts and minds of children and adults.
The CBCA is made up of state branches, that work to promote literature and literacy in their state. The branches each send a representative to the judging panel for the Book of the Year awards.
In 2021, the CBCA celebrated 75 years of promoting and supporting the best of Australian literature for young people.
The CBCA produces a range of promotional items, including stickers for publishers to place on winning and honour books, and support materials for teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians. The range is always evolving and includes:
- Book Week Poster
- Short List Poster
- Bookmark
- Badge
- Stickers
- Bunting
- Pens
- Lanyards